Hot enough for you? Talk about global warming! In the “dog days” of summer, with the temperatures just barely hovering under triple digits, it makes more sense than ever to consider installing an air conditioning unit for your residence. But before you go out and make any major investments, it is important to be certain you know what you are getting for your money. The following is a quick guide from Signature Contractors to help you distinguish between the three main types of home systems for air conditioning and the factors you might want to consider before making your purchase.

Types of Air Conditioning Systems:

Window Air Conditioning System:

Best for single rooms/efficiency apartment

All components available in a single unit

Portable

The window air conditioning system is the most typical system for small spaces. The benefit of this kind of system is that everything essential is enclosed to a single unit or “box.” This arrangement is ideal for a small efficiency apartment or college dorm room. In other words, the condenser, expansion valve/coil, cooling coil, compressor, and evaporator are all contained in the box. Once installed, the unit is equipped to fit on a particular wall or even a windowsill.

Packaged Air Conditioner System:

Best for multiple rooms or an office space

Based on set-up, components either available in a single unit or divided up.

Not Portable

The packaged air conditioner system can be installed in two different ways but equally efficient. The first method includes a system with all the vital parts inside a single unit, not unlike the window air conditioning system. However the produced cooled air is dispersed by a high capacity blower, which spreads into the selected rooms through mounted air ducts. The alternative method has the condenser and compressor in one unit while the compressed gas flows through the remaining units, the cooling coil and expansion valve, positioned in the specified rooms.

Split Air Conditioner System:

Best for single room/two rooms

Components divided up

Not Portable

The split air conditioner system is made up of two components: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor component, situated outside of the designated room, contains parts like the expansion valve, compressor and condenser whereas the indoor unit holds the cooling fan and evaporator-cooling coil. One nice benefit of this unit is they don’t need to construct anything special for indoor installation, like a slot in the wall of the room. Modern day units are also considered less intrusive than your typical window air conditioner. Current box units can even enhance the design of your room.

Central Air Conditioner System:

Best for houses/entire buildings

Huge component

Not Portable

If you want an all-out deluxe package for your entire house, you cannot go wrong with a central air conditioner system. Rather than enduring the overly expensive process of installing individual units for each room or set of room, central air conditioning will provide relief for the whole residence. These systems include large to generate the amount of circulation necessary to make your home at a cool temperature.

Still confused? Can’t take the heat any longer? Keep cool; Signature Contractors is here to help you out. If you’re interested in having your own AC unit installed, we are happy to have a specialist come out to your home for a free project assessment. Our specially trained HVAC contractors will be able to provide all the vital information necessary to help you decide which air conditioning system is ideal for you. Contact us today to get started.